The French Riviera (or Côte d’Azur) is the Mediterranean coast of southeastern France, famed for its glamour and beauty. Some spots, however, take it to a whole new level. From the see-and-be-seen beaches and boardwalks of Cannes and Monaco to the lavender fields of Grasse and the medieval villages of Èze, there’s a wealth of places to explore throughout the summer and beyond.

Keep reading for the eight must-see destinations to add to your next trip.

Long before it became synonymous with the International Film Festival and a playground for the world’s well-heeled, Cannes was a shimmering seaside destination made for resting and people-watching—a charm that remains today.

But the city also offers extraordinary views and culture. Climb the winding staircases past pastel-coated homes in Le Suquet, the old quarter, and you’ll arrive at the Musée de la Castre, a home for ethnographic art set in a medieval fortress overlooking the marina and the Croisette.

For restorative beaches and landscapes away from the crowds, take a 15-minute ferry ride to the Lérins Islands: Ile St. Honorat, known for its working monastery and forest groves, and Ile Ste-Marguerite, perfect for hidden coves and beaches.

Any trip to the Côte d’Azur should begin with a stop in Nice, perched above the sparkling Mediterranean waters. Start with a climb up to La Colline du Château (Castle Hill) to see why it’s so beloved. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the Baie des Anges, Old Town, Nice’s boardwalk, and the city’s varied, vibrant architecture.

While only a few crumbling walls remain of the original castle, the verdant park atop the hill is perfect for a picnic after a full day of sightseeing.

Nice’s colorful Vieille Ville (Old Town) is a delightful maze of narrow streets filled with lively restaurants, galleries, and shops. Cafés dot the many squares, so take the opportunity to sit with a coffee and people-watch the day away.

For a more active visit, stroll along the Promenade du Paillon, the city’s public park and botanical garden, which links the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art—also worth a visit—and the iconic Promenade des Anglais.

Beyond the megayachts and picture-perfect beaches, Antibes draws visitors for its literary and artistic history. At the Villa Saint Louis (now the popular Belles-Rives Hotel) on the Cap d’Antibes, F. Scott Fitzgerald spent the summer of 1926 with Zelda and his daughter Scottie and began work on Tender is the Night.

The enclosed mansions and dramatic villas that once fascinated Fitzgerald are still part of the landscape, but there’s local charm too. Stroll around old Antibes, through the Cours Masséna (a Provençal food market), and up to the Musée Picasso. Formerly the Château Grimaldi, this stronghold was Picasso’s home and workshop in 1946 and remains one of the resort town’s commanding cultural attractions.

The town of Menton has all the beauty of the better-known coastal villages, but with a fraction of the crowds. Its half-dozen beaches are nearly empty in the off-season, and boutique-filled alleyways are free of bargain-hunting tourists.

With over 316 days of sunshine a year, exceptional gardens, and quality Italian cuisine—thanks to its location on the Franco-Italian border—Menton is an ideal spot for a day trip. For a truly unparalleled Provençal gastronomic experience, visit Mirazur, chef Mauro Colagreco’s triple Michelin-starred restaurant, ranked number one on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2019.

Pro tip: In February, the town celebrates the Lemon Festival, a colorful tribute to spring and a nod to Menton’s past when citrus production was the town’s livelihood.

Perched on craggy cliffs high above the sea, the medieval village of Èze is a delightful step back in time—and blissfully calm for the Riviera. Its well-preserved stone buildings, winding alleyways, 14th-century chapels, and dramatic Mediterranean backdrop make this tiny village feel like a movie set.

The best views are earned by taking one of the hiking trails, like the famous Nietzsche Path, which connects the town to its summit, sitting 1,400 feet above sea level. At the top, you’ll find the town’s medieval fortress—familiar from Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief—surrounded by the Jardin Exotique, a desert garden brimming with succulents and exotic florals.

Grasse is a quiet, pretty medieval village and the world’s perfume capital. While famous perfumeries like Fragonard offer free tours, the real draw is the endless lavender fields that dominate the surrounding hills.

In August, the town comes alive with the Jasmine Festival, a three-day celebration of jasmine—one of the two flowers central to local perfume production (the other being Damascus rose). Expect garland-draped homes, street dancing, parades, and jasmine petals everywhere.

Conveniently located between Cannes and Nice, a quick stop in Grasse is well worth your time—for a few bottles of perfume, a whiff of lavender, or simply to soak in the town’s fragrant charm.

Bordered by France on three sides, the petite principality of Monaco is a bastion of glitz and glamour. While it’s famous as a playground for the ultra-rich, visitors on any budget can still enjoy themselves.

Excursions to stately sights like the Prince’s Palace, Fort Antoine, and Monaco Cathedral are all worthwhile and won’t break the bank. Take some time to observe the luxurious yachts at the harbor—or, even better, make friends with an owner—and wrap up your visit with a spin at the Monte Carlo Casino.